Cost to Bathroom Tile Installation (Floor & Wall) in Chicago, IL (2026)
If you’re budgeting a bathroom tile installation (floor & wall) in Chicago, most projects run $1,827-$4,263, 22% above the $2,800 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Tile Material Choice. On its own it can swing the cost by $1 - $35/sq ft for materials, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Choose porcelain over natural stone. You get a similar high-end look at $12-$28/sq ft installed versus $20-$50 for stone, with less maintenance.
In the Midwest (where Chicago sits): Below-average labor costs, good availability.
$1,827-$4,263 in Chicago
22% above the national average · 1.22x cost multiplier
In Chicago, a bathroom tile installation (floor & wall) runs $1,827 to $4,263 on average - about 22% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Chicago
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $12 | $21 | $43 |
| Materials | $545 | $1,308 | $3,052 |
| Labor | $935 | $2,004 | $4,008 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $1,480+23% vs. national avg | $3,421+22% vs. national avg | $7,278+21% vs. national avg |
Budget
Basic ceramic tile on floor only, standard thin-set, simple layout pattern
Mid-Range
Porcelain tile on floor and shower walls, cement board underlayment, accent strip or border
Premium
Natural stone or large-format porcelain on floors and walls, custom patterns, heated floor prep, premium grout
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Tile | $10-$18/sq ft installed | Budget bathroom floors and dry wall areasMost affordable, huge variety of colors and sizes, easy to cut |
| Porcelain Tile | $12-$28/sq ft installed | Best all-around choice for bathroom floors and wet areasVery durable, low water absorption, works everywhere including showers, wide design range |
| Natural Stone (Marble/Travertine) | $20-$50/sq ft installed | Premium master bathrooms and accent wallsStunning luxury appearance, unique veining, high resale appeal |
| Glass Mosaic Tile | $18-$40/sq ft installed | Shower accent strips, niches, and backsplash areasBeautiful light reflection, waterproof, excellent for accent bands and niches |
| Large-Format Porcelain (24x24+) | $15-$35/sq ft installed | Modern bathroom floors and feature wallsFewer grout lines for a cleaner look, modern aesthetic, easier to clean |
Other Projects in Chicago
Chicago Estimate
Typical Range
$1,827-$4,263
vs. National Average
22% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.22x
Cost Per sq ft
$12-$43
This 1.22x estimate prices Chicago labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →